GRAEME CAMPBELL SHOCKS AYR AND MAYBOLE WITH SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION AFTER DISTURBING INCIDENT

In October 2013, the reputation of a prominent Ayrshire sports figure was severely tarnished following his conviction for a disturbing sexual offense. Graeme Campbell, a distinguished bowler who has represented Scotland at the national level and remains a key player within the Ayrshire county team, was officially placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register after a series of troubling events that took place in Ayr.

Campbell, originally from Maybole, has long been recognized within the local sporting community. He is well-known for his achievements on the bowling green, having secured titles such as the Scottish pairs and British triples championships. He currently resides in Ayr’s Dalmilling Road, where the incident that led to his conviction occurred. At the time, Campbell was a former car park attendant in Ayr, but his reputation as a top athlete had made him a respected figure in the local sports scene.

The incident came to light when carers, working for a private agency, observed disturbing behavior from Campbell at his residence. They reported seeing him from a house across the street, where he was reportedly stripping off his clothes and standing naked at a window. More alarmingly, he was seen touching himself while looking out at a passing child, an act that was deemed highly inappropriate and criminal. The event took place on October 30 of the previous year, and it was this act that led to his arrest and subsequent trial.

During the proceedings at Ayr Sheriff Court, Sheriff Norman McFadyen found Campbell guilty of disorderly conduct, which included removing his clothing, standing naked at a window, and engaging in a sexual act while a child was passing by. Campbell, who had denied the charges, faced a stern judgment after evidence was presented in a closed court session. The witnesses, two carers, confirmed their observations, emphasizing that Campbell’s behavior was clearly visible from their vantage point and that the act was carried out in full view of the passing child.

Following the conviction, Sheriff McFadyen ordered Campbell to register as a sex offender, a decision that will require him to inform police of any travel plans before leaving his residence. The sheriff also noted that there was a significant sexual element involved in the offense, which contributed to the severity of the sentence. The court deferred sentencing to allow for a social background report to be prepared, which will influence the final penalty.

Campbell’s personal life has also been affected by this incident. He lives with his long-term partner, Anne Brown, who is currently Ayr’s champion bowler. The couple has no children. Brown expressed her distress over the situation, stating, “We have been through a year of hell due to this accusation and have tried everything to prove his innocence. But the sheriff ruled in the favour of the witnesses, and we have to live with this.”

Despite his recent troubles, Campbell’s sporting achievements remain notable. His elder brother, Gavin Campbell, is also a renowned bowler, and Graeme himself has been a prominent figure in Scottish bowls. His career highlights include being capped for the Scottish national team and winning multiple prestigious titles. However, his future in the sport now appears uncertain, especially with the upcoming season not scheduled to restart until May.

In response to the incident, representatives from the Ayrshire Bowling Association issued a statement indicating that any disciplinary actions taken by clubs would be noted by the association. Newton Park Bowling Club, where Campbell is a member, has closed for the season. Club secretary May Harris expressed her support for Campbell’s contributions, saying, “He has been a good, hardworking member of our club, and it is a very difficult situation. We have not yet had a committee meeting, and we will need to wait and see what happens.”

As the legal process continues, the community and sporting organizations in Ayr and Maybole are grappling with the implications of this case, which has cast a shadow over a once-respected athlete’s career and reputation.